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Women’s Eye Health – 7 Tips for Optimal Vision for Life

April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA and May is Healthy Vision month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye and vision health, with a special focus on women.

Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye disease, visual impairment and blindness, especially after age 40. In fact, when it comes to serious age-related eye diseases, women represent well over half of the cases, with 61% of glaucoma cases and 65% of age-related macular degeneration cases being female. Women are also more prone to cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome and untreated refractive errors.

One of the reasons for women’s increased risk of age-related eye disease is that they statistically live longer than men. In fact, a recent study showed that there are twice as many women than men over the age of 85 in America. Additionally, not only are they living longer but they are sometimes they’re working longer as well, which often involves added computer and device use, so they tend to suffer more from conditions exacerbated by blue light and ultraviolet exposure such as dry eyes and eyestrain.

The good news is there are certain lifestyle changes that women can make to reduce that increased risk of developing age-related eye diseases. In many cases, blindness and visual impairment are preventable or treatable with proper awareness and precautions.

Protect your eyes from UV exposure.UV radiation has been implicated as a risk factor for a number of eye diseases including macular degeneration and cataracts. Sunglasses should be more than a fashion statement, they should have high quality lenses that fully block UVA and UVB rays. Further, sunglasses shouldn’t be reserved for the summer. UV rays can penetrate clouds and bounce off snow and water, so rock your shades year round, any time you go outside.

Exercise regularly and eat a proper diet.Studies show that regular exercise and a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and fats promotes eye health. Reduce sugar, processed foods, and white flour and of course refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. This is the recipe not only for improved eye health, but for the health of your whole body and mind as well.

Take care of chronic conditions.If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or chronic stress, managing these conditions will reduce your chances of developing eye diseases. Make sure you take care of your overall health, as it is all related to the health of your eyes.

Throw away expired makeup and skincare products, and replace brushes periodically.Many women habitually use makeup and skincare products beyond their expiration dates. This can be problematic, especially with liquid products and those that you apply close to the eyes, as they can carry harmful bacteria which can cause infections and irritation. Check your products regularly and toss any that are past their prime.

Clean eyes from makeup daily.Eye cosmetics are a frequent cause of dry eye, as they can block glands within the lids. Beyond eye irritation, styes or other eye infections can result, so do yourself a favor and clean your eyelids are carefully at the end of the day.

Steer clear of over-the-counter contact lenses!Colored contact lenses in particular are frequently worn by women. It is important to be fitted by a trained eye care professional for any pair of contact lenses, even if you don’t need vision correction. Contact lenses bought without a prescription and proper fitting can seriously damage the eyes.

Schedule regular eye exams.Many of the serious eye diseases mentioned above require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss. When caught early, vision can be saved or restored; otherwise permanent damage can occur. That’s why it’s critical to schedule comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis to check in on your eye health and identify any early signs of disease. Your eye doctor should also know about your family history and any other relevant lifestyle concerns that may put you at a higher risk of certain conditions.

Vision loss can be a devastating blow to one’s quality of life and independence, but so much of it can be prevented. Education and lifestyle changes can be key to helping women to live a long life with clear vision and healthy eyes.

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Dr. Susan Lake is undoubtedly one of the best optometrists this area has to offer. Not only are her services unbeatable, but her professionalism and friendship as a doctor are invaluable. I will be seeing her for life as a patient. Phenomenal service!...

Got me in right away. Everyone was friendly. I got the glasses in half the time they told me to expect them. The day I got the glasses the screw came out and I couldn't get it back in. By then the store was closed. I headed back the next...

After struggling through a few sets of not-right glasses at another location, wondering if the only fix might be eye surgery, I now have glasses and vision that I am delighted with! Patient In Sedalia, MO...

Finally found someone who takes care of there patients. Everyone associated with EYECARE have positive attitudes and go out of there way to make your appointments enjoyable. Have told many of my friends about them and I enjoy the visit with all concerned. Patient In Clinton, MO...

Eyecare Specialties doctors and staff always go above and beyond. They show that they genuinely care about not only the health of their patients but also the patients as a whole. A warm welcoming place where I'm always assured I'm getting the best care possible. Patient In Clinton, MO...

As a mother with a young child that had an issue with his eyes I was SO happy & relieved to find someone like Dr. Susan Lake. She is easy to talk to, caring, and absolutely wonderful with my children. I will never go anywhere else. Patient in Warrensburg MO...

This is the first time I've ever been EXCITED about the idea of going for annual visits to a doctor's office. Dr. Susan Lake and all the staff are just FABULOUS, so friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend this office highly enough. If you're looking for a new eyecare clinic,...

I have been going to Eye Care Specialties for many years and their care and services are the best for my vision needs. I have binocular vision problems and with vision therapy from Dr. Susan Lake, I can now read for a long time without headaches and tears streaming down...

First time at Eye care Specialties and they treated me very well, professional, and polite. I will definitely be coming back. I got contacts and they came in within a couple of days for me to pick up. Patient in Warrensburg MO...

Dr Drenon Was fantastic . Very through and had a very caring manner. He always has been a great doctor and gives the best advice for my eye care . I think you all are blessed to have him on your staff ! Patient In Sedalia, MO...

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My family have been seeing Dr. David Orson since we moved here in 2005. I can't begin to put into words how friendly he is, what a phenomenal optometrist he is, and although business is business; I can consider him a friend to our family. He goes out of his...

The care and the attention is superb at your eye clinic, definitely 5 stars! I wish we could clone Brett as he is one of a kind. Thanks for being so good at your skill, interest in patients and over all service. It is greatly appreciated. Patient In Sedalia, MO...

I have been a patient of Dr.Liesemeyer for several years.I have and will continue to recommend him and his staff for their professional and courteous care that I have received and that they give to all their patients. Patient In Sedalia, MO...

We love Eyecare Specialties. The appointments are on time without a lot of waiting. They also make the process of choosing glasses very easy and fun. They really worked with my daughter to make sure she found a style that was fun and "acceptable" for a teenager. She loves her...

So pumped that Eyecare Specialties was able to include my insurance once again. Kyle and the rest of the staff are amazing. There's nowhere I'd rather go for my eyecare needs. Patient In Clinton, MO...

I loved Dr. (Mrs.) Lake! She was an excellent listener, asked relevant questions was well versed and confident. Testing was begun at first contact and a plan of approach laid out. She was on time,acted in a timely manner and set a follow-up apt. In the office nearest me. Couldn't...

The office girl worked very hard to find a more convenient time for me and my husband with back to back appointments. We have always found the Dr. visit and care to be very thorough. Always willing to answer any questions we may have. Patient In Sedalia, MO...

I see Dr. Kyle Johnson and he is awesome. He takes the time to answer all of my questions and concerns and I believe he truly cares. I have never seen him without a smile and kind, compassionate, positive attitude. I wish all doctors were modeled after him. You won't...

Dr. Johnson has been very helpful with my eye issues. He called me at home to check on the progress and we are continuing to figure out my eye problems. I referred my mother to see Dr. Johnson. Patient In Clinton, MO...

I was way over due for my annual eye exam (by over 2 years), but Dr. Kyle was kind to me and he explained how my eyes had changed since my last visit. He told me about my options and then I proceeded to find my new pair of frames...

As always my experience at Eye Specialties is a positive one. From the front desk personnel to the Exam tech and Dr. Orson is always friendly/professional and shows great concern for my well being. This reflects from him all the way down to his employees/co-workers. Patient In Lee's Summit, MO...

The process was quick! I didn't know the orb scan would be so quick. I thought we were just doing a practice test to look into my eye, but it was the scan that I came there for. Soon, I was looking at a heat wave type of graph of...

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I called after hours and requested the on-call eye specialist to contact me regarding an injury to my eye. Dr. McNaughton called back and gave me some remedies I could try to see if this was helpful, and said she would get me in the next day if necessary. It...

Dr. Johnson went over the test results with me thoroughly and explained the results of the pictures of my eyes in detail. He was courteous, caring and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend him for all of your eye care needs....

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My family & I have been seeing Dr. Lake for 2.5 years now & we have nothing but great things to say about him & this office. Every staff member is very friendly & helpful! I've never waited more than a few minutes before being called back. Also, love the...

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As always, my visit to Dr. Brett Liesemeyer was a pleasant experience. I received a thorough eye exam with several tests administered. He was very good about explaining everything to me! Patient In Sedalia, MO...

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After moving to Warrensburg, I remained at my previous eye doctor in Sedalia for quite a while, because I'm pretty resistant to change. I decided to take advantage of the convenient location of Eyecare Specialties, and I'm glad I did. Dr. Lake and his staff are always friendly, courteous, and...